Spartans Battle Wolverines in Annual Blood Challenge

Spartans Vow to Go Green.  Beat Blue.  Give Red.

Lansing, MI—January 30—It’s that time of year again when the American Red Cross encourages Michigan State University students, staff, alumni and fans to show their Spartan pride by rolling up their sleeves to help save lives during MSU’s annual blood challenge against in-state rival the University of Michigan now through February 22.

“The intense rivalry between these two schools is well-documented on the athletic field,” said Todd Kulman, Communications Program Manager with the American Red Cross Great Lakes Blood Services Region.  “Bringing this competitive spirit into our blood drives is a fantastic way to get students interested in donating blood”.

MSU won the challenge last year by just 30 units of blood.  The Spartans are hoping to make it two-in-a-row this year and have a goal of 1,250 units.  The challenge takes place at numerous blood drives throughout the East Lansing campus and in the American Red Cross Donor Center in Lansing (1729 E. Saginaw).  Aside from the ‘friendly competition’, the goal of the challenge is to help boost blood supplies during the challenging winter months, when inclement weather and influenza traditionally impact a donors’ availability to give.

The following is a list of MSU blood drives being held during the MSU-UM Blood Challenge:

How to Donate Blood

To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit  redcrossblood.org for more information. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.

About the American Red Cross

The Great Lakes Blood Services Region serves 65 counties, and needs to collect about 650 units of blood a day to meet patient need in hospitals. In addition to supplying about 40 percent of the nation’s blood, the American Red Cross teaches lifesaving skills, provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization—not a government agency—and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.